1959 Tradewind restoration -- woodworking and mechanical systems

 After taking a break to vacation with Damon and Erica, I am finally back to work on the Tradewind. I plumbed the camper with pex water lines, which seems to be the greatest stuff. It is easy to work with, light, and supposed to be freeze resistant. I'll try not to test that theory. I set the bathtub, and ran the drain lines and vent pipes. Next was the 110 volt wiring, and finishing all the outlets. That took about a day to finish, but the 12 volt system took almost two days to complete. 

I used vinyl composition tiles for the floor, and like the look and the price. It was about $100 for the tiles and glue. It took about four hours to prep the floor, and about six hours to put the floor down. I knew the walls would take time to put in, but trying to be a perfectionist can drive a person crazy. Crazier, I mean. Each wall panel is slightly different, and trying do determine plumb in a round camper is fun. I fitted and cut each panel about ten times each, so I am getting my exercise. 

This is the kitchen and bath walls with the refrigerator opening.

This is the riveted aluminum shower wall. 

Next was the bath vanity. It has to cover the drain pipes, fit on an angled wall, allow for the water, drain and vent pipes, and fit next to the tub. It also has the shower control built on the side, and the sink and faucet on top. 

I started the wardrobe closet next, which was basically the same fitting, and cutting. I am going to use the wardrobe door as the bathroom door to save weight. The biggest problem is the frame for the door has to be perfect both directions so it will close properly. The vent pipe goes through the wardrobe and I built a cover for it from oak and oak plywood. 

The next project was the bath storage, and cover for the water heater and breaker box. All of these pieces are only set in place, and will be taken out to polyurethane and finish.

 The kitchen cabinet took quite a while. It has to fit over the wheel well, allow for water, and drain pipes, and fit up against a curved wall. And then try to get the most storage as possible, while maintaining symmetry and fitting a sink and stove top. My parents don't want a microwave, but I am putting a space for one below the stove. 

The bed frame was almost easy after the kitchen, but still took some thinking and fitting.

Next will be the end table, and dinette last. Then, I get to take everything out again to polyurethane. Then the final assembly. It is slow, but it is coming together.

We have had great weather for a few days, so I decided to stop making cabinets, and polyurethane the ones already done. Everything came out without a problem, and now I am ready to install the cabinets for the last time. Yea! 

 I have reinstalled the cabinets, and the refrigerator, and got to check out the propane system. Only two small leaks. The water system had a few more issues. The three way switch in the bathroom did not work, and the water pump quit working after about 30 seconds. I took the water pump out of the 2006 wrecked Airstream, and hooked it up. There were no leaks, but apparently a wasp had built a nest in the hot water line. The nest stopped up all three faucets, and I had to disconnect each faucet to   use air pressure to blow the line out. What a pain. Oh well, it is done now, and I was able to check out the water heater and furnace, and both worked like they should. Six weeks ago, I thought I was about a month away from being done, but I think I am about a month away from being done now. We'll see in about a month. 

It is starting to look finished!